Definition of deprecate
deprecated
;deprecating
transitive verb
1a archaic : to pray against (something, such as an evil)b : to seek to avert deprecate the wrath … of the Roman people — Tobias Smollett
2 : to express disapproval of deprecates such attempts at humor
3a : play down : make little of speaks five languages … but deprecates this facility — Timeb : belittle, disparage the most reluctantly admired and least easily deprecated of … novelists — New Yorker
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Examples of deprecate in a Sentence
movie critics tried to outdo one another in deprecating the comedy as the stupidest movie of the year
deprecates TV sitcoms as childish and simpleminded
Recent Examples of deprecate from the Web
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The band is obviously being self-deprecating, but a sliver of its fan base has been bemoaning this very thing.
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With his distinctive sweet-sly delivery, keen wit and self-deprecating likability, Funches has always been an original.
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Jon Watts, whose low-budget indie Cop Car is well worth seeking out, is an extremely lively director, and perfectly matches Peter Parker's witty, oftentimes self-deprecating demeanor.
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Mr. Tomkins noted that Mr. Benson had made his boast sound self-deprecating.
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The only question is who could crack the better self-deprecating joke.
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But the self-deprecating star is best remembered for her comedies.
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A large crowd turned out to welcome her, suggesting Roberts' fans still treasure her distinctive combination of smart pianism, sensitive vocals and decidedly self-deprecating brand of humor.
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McCain, who can alternate between gruff and self-deprecating, afterward made light of the mess.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deprecate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of deprecate
Latin deprecatus, past participle of deprecari to avert by prayer, from de- + precari to pray — more at pray
DEPRECATE Defined for English Language Learners
deprecate
playDefinition of deprecate for English Language Learners
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: to criticize or express disapproval of (someone or something)
Learn More about deprecate
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See words that rhyme with deprecate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deprecate Nglish: Translation of deprecate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of deprecate for Arabic speakers
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